With South African batsman Hashim Amla's decision to retire from all forms of international cricket, former Proteas batsman AB de Villiers lauded the player on an amazing career, saying that Amla was one of the best players in the world.
De Villiers posted a picture of Amla on Instagram and wrote: "Unreal career @amlahash! So many doubted u early on, but your fighting spirit, humility & incredible one of a kind talent took u to the top of the mountain and ultimately to one of the best players in the world and certainly I've ever seen. Congrats on an amazing career, Humaam," as the caption.
Former Proteas all-rounder Shaun Pollock also praised Amla for his wonderful career.
"Congratulations to Hashim Amla on a fantastic international career..what an amazing journey it has been since seeing you for the first time in the Kingsmead nets in the late '90s... well done..respect. @amlahash," Pollock tweeted.
"One of the greats of the modern era. Congratulations, Hashim Amla on a fantastic career, wish you the best in retirement @amlahash," former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif tweeted.
Proteas leg spinner Imran Tahir, Harbhajan Singh, and Indian head coach Ravi Shastri took to Twitter and congratulated Amla for his brilliant cricketing career.
"A brother, guide and a well-wisher to everyone in proteas dressing room will be missed. Jazakallah for all the help and love @amlahash let allah bless you for everything you intend to do in future #Legend," Tahir tweeted.
"Congratulations @amlahash for brilliant career..always enjoyed the battle with you in the ground while bowling to you ..wish you lots of happiness going forward.. Great man may god bless you," Harbhajan wrote.
"One of the great ambassadors of the great game. A South African cricket GIANT. Humility personified at all times - @amlahash. God bless," Ravi Shastri opined.
Former South African cricketers Mark Boucher, Robin Peterson, and Shoaib Akhtar also conveyed their wishes to Amla.
"@amlahash respect! No words to describe. #Legend," Boucher tweeted.
"Morals, respect, hard work, dedication, family man, team player, faith are the stats I will remember and tell kids about forever One of the very best to play this beautiful game The silent WARRIOR @amlahash- love you bro look forward to that chai you're making," Peterson said.
"The great #HashimAmla has surprised the world with his announcement to retire from all forms of cricket, what a legend & what a great human being & great brand ambassador of the game respect to you wish you best of luck." Shoaib Akhtar wrote.
Amla, on Thursday, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
"I learnt many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called #proteafire. I would like to thank my parents for their prayers, love and support, it is their shadow over me that enabled me to play for years under the Protea sun," he said in an official statement.
"Also, my family, friends and agent, my teammates and every member of the support staff throughout this incredible journey. A heartfelt thank you to every one of you! The fans for energizing me when times were tough, and for celebrating with me when we succeeded together. Siyabonga South Africa," he added.
Amla played international cricket for almost 15 years. He went on to represent Proteas in 349 matches across all formats. He went on to make 18,000 runs including 55 centuries and 88 fifty-plus scores across all formats of the game.
"It is always sad to bid farewell to one of the true legends of the game but at the same time this is rather an occasion to celebrate the richness that Hashim has brought to the game around the world both on and off the field," Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Thabang Moroe said in an official statement.
"His humility has always been his standout quality and I cannot imagine a better role model to teach us all how to lead better lives. He has added great value not only to the Proteas but to the country at large," he added.
He is the only South African to have scored a triple century in the Test format. He also has the highest Test score by a South African batsman against England, India and the West Indies.
He was also named as the Proteas cricketer of the year in 2010 and 2013. Amla played 124 Tests for South Africa, scoring 9282 runs in them at an average of 46.41.
He went on to represent Proteas in 181 ODIs and he was able to amass 8113 runs in the format.
In the shortest format of the game, the cricketer was able to reinvent himself, as he played 44 T20Is for the Proteas, scoring 9277 runs in them at an average of 33.61
